London Kids Weekend Scoop (October 9-12, 2014)

 

 
Are you ready for the weekend? As usual, I’ve put together my favourite things to do with kids in London, from children’s theatre and family raving down south, to a steam extravaganza and barn dancing up north! Highlights include:

DJ Terry Farley at Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave, Okido Monster Arcade at the Doodle Bar, King’s Cross Steam Extravaganza, Africa on the Square and Technopop in Stratford

Have a great one!

Thu-Sun: Polka Theatre: Grandad, Me and Teddy Too, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Bring your own bear to the Polka’s Adventure Theatre, magically transformed into a winter garden with soft grass that kids can sit on and be part of the show. Join in her anticipation for her Granddad’s arrival from a hot country, and journey with them to wherever their imagination takes them. Special show for ages 2-5, younger ones welcome. All kids ages 12 months and over require a ticket. 10.35am, 12.35pm & 2.05pm (Thu), 10.35 & 2.05pm (Wed & Fri), 11.05am, 12.30pm & 2.35pm (Sat), 11.05am & 2.35pm (Sun); adult/child £11.50/under 12 months FREE (Oct 8-Feb 6)

Thu-Sun: Technopop Festival at TIQ (The International Quarter) Stratford, E20 (Stratford tube/overground)
An exciting pop-up festival of science and technology aimed at school age kids, this 4-week celebration of innovation offers everything from coding clubs and app making to sports science, space exploration and rocketry workshops. For ages 6-19 and their curious families. And you’re close enough to Discover Children’s Centre, Westfield Stratford or Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to enjoy a jam-packed day out in Stratford. 9.30am-4pm (Wed-Sun), adult £10/child FREE (Oct 8-Nov 2)

Thu-Sun: The Art of the Brick at Old Truman Brewery, Loading Bay 91, Brick Lane, E1 6QL (Shoreditch High St overground, Liverpool St/Aldgate East tube)
LEGO mania hits Shoreditch as the long-awaited Art of the Brick exhibition comes to Brick Lane (geddit?). Gawp at 80 sculptures lovingly crafted brick by brick by NY artist Nathan Sawaya from more than 1 million pieces of LEGO. Why not make a lazy Sunday visit to the show, then have a browse of the vintage shops and stalls on Brick Lane market, grab a bite to eat from local street traders (we recommend the Rib Man but don’t bother after 1pm!), and, if you still have the stamina, round off with a trip to nearby Spitalfields City Farm. All ages. 10am-6pm (Sun-Wed), 10am-8pm (Thu), 10am-7pm (Fri-Sat); adult £14.50/child £8/family of 4 £40 (Mon-Thu); adult £16.50/child £9.50/family of 4 £47 (Fri-Sun) (Sep 26-Jan 4)

Thu-Sun: Fantastic Mr Fox at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Angel tube)
Watch the very clever Mr Fox in a battle of wits against the farmers trying to trap him, in this joyous adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale, performed by puppets. Best for ages 4-11, baby-friendly performances on Sundays at 11am. Regular shows 10am & 1pm (Wed-Thu), 1pm & 5pm (Fri) and 11am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); adult £14/child £12/Friday 5pm shows £5 (until Nov 9)

 

 
Sat: Africa on the Square in Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS (Charing Cross tube)
Celebrating Black History Month, the Mayor of London hosts the first major African festival on Trafalgar Square. This promises to be a colourful affair, crammed with live music from the likes of Dele Sosimi’s Afrobeat Experience, family workshops (try batik and mosaic making), delicious street food, fashion and craft stalls, African fashion show and performances from drummers and acrobats. 12-6pm, FREE (Oct 11)

Sat: Soho Hotel Children’s Film Club: Mary Poppins (U), 4 Richmond Mews, W1D 3DH (Oxford Circus tube)
For a special Saturday experience with the family, book in for a buffet lunch and classic movie screening at the swanky Soho hotel. This week’s big picture is the lovely Mary Poppins, perfect for a singalong with the minis. Ticket price includes buffet lunch for kids and adults, popcorn, icecream and a glass of Prosecco. 1pm lunch, 1.30pm film; £20 per person/£10 film only, no lunch included (Oct 11/ongoing)

Sat-Sun: King’s Cross Family Weekend: Steam Extravaganza at The Crossing, Granary Building, Granary Square, off Goods Way, N1C 4AB (King’s Cross tube)
Be transported back in time to the golden age of steam at King’s Cross at this exciting family weekend that will thrill all your little choo choo fans. There’s storytelling, model railways, coal shovelling contests, Mad Science Dry Ice and Wacky Water show, food and drink, games and live music from the London Dixieland Band. And while you’re in Granary Square, you could also pop into Quentin Blake’s House of Illustration exhibition (open until 6pm) and, if it’s warm enough, dip your toes in the dazzling fountains. 11am-4pm, FREE (Oct 11-12)

Sat-Sun: Once there Was… the Wonderful World of Oliver Jeffers at Discover Story Museum, 383-387 Stratford High St, E15 5QZ (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of one of the best loved picture book authors and illustrators. Celebrating the 10th birthday of Oliver Jeffers’ classic tale How to Catch a Star, Discover museum invites little adventurers to play in favourite scenes from his books brought to life. Row a boat, befriend a penguin, take a trip to the seaside, visit the Lost and Found office, and see stars appear as if by magic. For this Opening Weekend you can also meet the characters from his books. Recommended for ages 0-6 and their families. Term time weekdays: 3-5pm (Tue-Fri); 10.20am, 11.20am, 12.20, 1.20, 2.20, 3.15 and 4.15pm (Sat-Sun and school holidays; NB: 10.20 am show on weekdays during school holidays only) (Sep 27-Sep 6, 2015)

Sun: Big Fish Little Fish presents Terry Farley at The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham SW12 9HD (Balham tube)
Have they got a treat for you this weekend at BFLF in Balham! DJ legend Terry Farley takes the decks, bringing acid house anthems and smiley happy music to the 2-4 hour party crowd. As always there’s Happy Monkey crafts, licensed bar, bubble machine, glow sticks, costume themes and a big floaty parachute to lift everybody’s mood when your energy’s flagging. Recommended for ages 8 and under and their parents/carers. 2-4.30pm; adult £8 adv/£10 door, child £4.50 adv/£5 door, non-walkers FREE (Oct 12)

 

 
Sun: Okido Monster Arcade at The Doodle Bar, 33 Parkgate Rd, Battersea SW11 4NP (South Kensington/Sloane Sq tube, Clapham Junction rail/overground)S
We’ve been loving the sound of the Doodle Bar and this Big Draw event sounds pretty darn awesome. Cool kids magazine Okido have created a Monster Arcade rammed with fun activities for kids and grown-ups alike. Have a go at shadow drawing, sketching electric poo (!), pin the bone on the skeleton and spinning the monster wheel, plus loads more freaky fun. You can scope out wall art from the Okido crew and get your own doodling on. If that’s not enough to tempt you, Well Kneaded are serving up organic firebread from 1pm in mini and maxi portions! All ages. 2-5pm, FREE (Oct 12)

Sun: The Princess and the Pea, 269a Archway Rd, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Enjoy a delicious early or later lunch at Jacksons Lane’s Cafe and then settle in for this entertaining take on the classic fairytale. Tutti Frutti’s fantastical adaptation of The Princess and the Pea brings live music, crazy props and lots of laughs to the stage. For ages 3+. 12pm & 3pm, £8 (Oct 12)

Sun: Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Camden Town/Chalk Farm tube)
The ever popular family barn dances allow adults and kids of all ages (bring baby in a carrier) to step lively to English folk music, with a live band and a caller telling you where to put your feet. Swing your partner and do-si-doh! NB: Limited tickets at door, book in advance to avoid disappointment. 3-5pm, adult £7/child £5/under 2s FREE (Oct 12)

We also like
Roll up to Elefest, a jam-packed celebration of Elephant & Castle with arts, music and family fun (Thu-Sun); watch Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at the gorgeous Electric Cinema on Portobello Rd (Sat); enjoy a day of talks, crafts, arts and good old-fashioned family entertainment at Wilton’s on the River in E1 (Sat); maybe not one for the kids but I’d be wrong not to mention Rumfest in Earl’s Court (Sat-Sun); The Wombles are sold out but Wimbledon Bookfest still has tons on for kids (until Sun); it’s a busy weekend in Trafalgar Square with the ever popular Diwali in the Square taking over after the Africa festival (Sun)

Images via Big Fish Little Fish, Open the Gate and The Doodle Bar